Top 5 Movies of 2008

Another year has come and gone, and Hollywood remains up-and-running, despite the many issues which 2008 laid at its doorstep. Whether it was writer's strikes or the global financial meltdown, it hasn't been an easy year to be a Hollywood producer. Nonetheless, these guys have shown again the resilience of the industry and the reason why they're the most important movie-producing location on the planet. We've been treated to some exceptional films this year, monetary woes aside. There has been drama along the way, some with real human value, and some that just makes people laugh at how absurd the industry can be at times. In the end, this year will go down as a year in which excellence in film recovered some terrain...may 2009 be so generous too!

So here you have it, my personal picks for the five best films released in 2008. Hope you enjoy, and make sure to check out your cable or satellite TV listings to learn when these gems will be on the tube. Hopefully you'll be able to savor them, as I do, in brilliant Direct TV HD on my 60-inch Samsung. It's almost better than seeing them in the theatre.

1) There Will Be Blood: Daniel Day Lewis deserved the Oscar, hands down. The ability to evoke pity for a ruthless and unscrupulous oil baron from the turn of the century can only be evidence of one thing: a brilliant actor coupled with a visionary director. This movie brought back a human touch that has been disappearing from Hollywood films.

2) The Dark Knight: Far and away the best addition to the Batman series ever. This movie brought back the darkness that true Batman comics fans had been yearning for. The tragic death of protagonist Heath Ledger only served to rocket this movie even further up the box-office charts. It is without a doubt the finest performance that the young talent ever gave, may he rest in peace. Do the man some justice and watch this one in HD.

3) Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay: Yes, there had to be an indie film on the list! But don't be fooled: these two mischievous delinquents fully deserve their place on this list, as they have managed to cause moviegoers to double over in laughter in a way few comedians can. The rants and raves of these two intrepid voyagers are the fodder for a night of endless hilarity.

4) Quantum of Solace: Ahhh....Bond, will we ever tire of you? No. This latest addition to the Bond series is a killer. With new gadgets and more sexy women, Bond gets out there to kick butt in more places on this planet than in any previous installation. Revenge has never been so sweet as Daniel Craig makes it in this film...another high definition must.

5) The X-Files: I Want to Believe: A refreshing break from the usual style the makers of the X-Files cultivated over more than a decade, this installation has more the feel of a police drama/thriller than an ET-flick. Yet the movie is produced and edited with excellent taste; not to mention the always anticipated event of Mulder and Scully finally getting it on! At long, long last...thank you.

Perhaps you differ with my criteria, but most people would agree that these movies all were classics and dominated the year's releases. Sure, some reader is begrudging our omission of at least one sample from the sports movie or feel-good, family-friendly genres. Perhaps 2009 will be a better year for them...we shall have to wait and see.

In the meantime, why don't you upgrade your home theatre with the best programming available? There are some great Direct TV packages available right now; check them out!